Posted 23 September 2024 in Travel wanderlust
Year-end getaway with IndiGo's ‘Grand Runaway Fest’
The frenzy season is here with joyous festivals across India. And what better way is there to book flights to your favourite city or pack bags for your hometown to celebrate auspicious occasions?
Now, with IndiGo's ‘Grand Runaway Fest’ you don't need to think twice before booking your flight tickets. This flight sale presents an opportunity to explore several cities across the globe at an unbeatable price.
From lightning crackers during Diwali in the capital city of Delhi to celebrating Durga Puja in Kolkata, or rejoicing with family during Christmas in the Himalayas - This ‘Grand Runaway Fest’ is here to give you a festive and cultural experience.
Besides choosing to travel for the festivals, you can also combine your trip with exploring a new city, seeing amazing attractions, and eating delicious food. The ‘Grand Runaway Fest’ opens doors to a lively metropolis, serene hill stations, tropical coastal places and more.
So, grab the best flight deals during this ‘Grand Runaway Fest’ and soak in the rich festivals celebrated across India with IndiGo.
Book flights to different destinations during the festival allowing for cultural exploration.
Dussehra
Date: 12th October, 2024
Dussehra is a significant festival celebrated across India, however, it is widely popular in West and North India. Also known as Vijayadashami, this day commemorates Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Traditionally, you can observe this on the 10th day according to the Hindu calendar of Ashvin. To experience this wondrous festival, use IndiGo’s ‘Grand Runaway Fest’ and book flights to your home.
What to expect?
- The burning of effigies of Ravana in different neighbourhoods
- Mela (Carnival)
- Family gatherings, exchange of sweets
Top cities to visit during Dussehra
- Ayodhya: On the auspicious festival of Dussehra, book flights to Ayodhya and enjoy this joyous day in the birthplace of King Rama himself. Due to this, many people gather in the city to watch the statue of Ravana burn down to the ground. You can also watch the Ram Leela performance while you are in Ayodhya.
- Mysore:Take a flight to Mysore to see Dussehra celebrations, because it is amazing with beautiful decorations across the city. Here, the highlight is the Mysore Palace which lights up at night, its grand illumination is visually striking. Apart from that, during Dussehra in Mysore, the Ravana Dahan also takes place which is a spectacle
- Delhi: The capital of India is decorated with lights and has fairs in various neighbourhoods. Outside the Red Fort, Ravana Daha is held, which is a grand occasion where many people visit to see the burning of Ravana’s effigy.
- Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad turns into a magical city during Dussehra with cultural performances and colourful illuminated lights. The city organises Garba nights along with many fairs in various places. The atmosphere is festive with rich Gujarati traditions and delicious food.
Durga Puja
Dates: 09th October to 13th October, 2024
Durga Puja is one of the auspicious festivals which stretches up to a week of joyous occasions and events across India. Although Durga Puja is mostly celebrated across West Bengal, the rest of India also celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. During this ‘Grand Runaway Fest’ week, catch a flight to see each idol display in various neighbourhoods that are intricately decorated and don’t forget to savour delicious food. On the last day, the immersion of the idols is witnessed.
What to expect?
- Each neighbourhood displays the Durga idol decorated with detailed artwork
- Rituals and prayers in various temples
- Family get-togethers and festive meals
Top cities to visit during Durga Puja
- Kolkata: The city of joy, Kolkata becomes a stage of the triumph of art, beauty and enthusiasm during Durga Puja with beautifully decorated pandals and magnificent idols of Goddess Durga and stunning street celebrations. Book flights to Kolkata and enjoy the city. There’s a real buzz, especially when food is being sold as well as real cultural events to go with the occasion.
- Darjeeling: Often famously referred to in the context of amazing vistas of the Himalayas, Darjeeling bring out a feel-good vibe during the Durga Puja. The air is cool and the public spaces feel warm with beautiful idol places amid the stunning backdrop. While here, make sure to explore the lush tea gardens and savour delicious Nepali cuisine.
- Lucknow: Dussehra is a colourful festival celebrated with great enthusiasm. Once you get on a flight to Lucknow during this Grand Runaway Fest week, you will be in for a treat. The city celebrated Dussehra with grandeur and fervour, you can attend lots of fairs, buy handicrafts, and savour delicious food. Some venues also show Ramlila performances.
- Mumbai: The Durga Puja festival is also celebrated in Mumbai but with Bengali style and modernisation. The city celebrates beautiful pandals and cultural troupes in several localities, especially in the localities that have larger Bengali populations. The overall liveliness, mouth-watering food joints, and colourful celebrations make getting a flight to Mumbai to celebrate Durga Puja an ideal thing to do.
Diwali
Dates: 29th October and 03rd November, 2024
Diwali or the ‘Festival of Lights’ as it is well regarded is one of the most significant Hindu festivals that depict the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. During this IndiGo’s ‘Grand Runaway Fest,’ do not miss the opportunity to book flights to your favourite city to witness Diwali where houses are lit up in colourful lights. Diwali brings the spirit of joy as well as unity and everybody loves to celebrate such a festival to solidify the ties.
What to expect?
- People gather to offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi
- Family gatherings in houses for Puja
- Lightening crackers and rockets
Top cities to visit during Diwali
- Varanasi: India’s oldest city is brightly decorated during Diwali. The city is popular for the ghats on the periphery of the river Ganga, and you will be amazed to see the city illuminated by taking a boat ride. This mesmerising sight can only be witnessed if you book flights to Varanasi during this auspicious occasion.
- Jaipur: There are lots of places in India that celebrate Diwali but perhaps one of the biggest celebrations can be seen in the city of Jaipur. Places and forts of the city are illuminated and decorated with lights and other accessories. There is unrest in the markets as people go about shopping for food and gifts. Due to its cultural heritage and colourful environment, Jaipur is one of the best places to celebrate the Diwali festival.
- Bengaluru: Diwali is celebrated in both traditional and modern ways in the city of Bengaluru. The parks as well as other public areas of the city are filled with colourful lights and many programmes are organised. Cultural troupes perform and people take part in food fests and many such activities to add colour and make it a nice occasion to enjoy the fun.
- Pune: Pune adds colours to Diwali and has people ready for celebrations. Socio-cultural activities such as dances and music are performed in the city and the people display their cultural strength. There are many products available in the local markets such as sweet, spicy, handicrafts etc.
Chhath Puja
Dates: 05th to 08th November, 2024
Chhath Puja is a major Hindu festival which is especially observed in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh and is celebrated in honour of Surya-the Sun God and his consort - Chhathi Maiya. During IndiGo's ‘Grand Runaway Fest’, you can book a flight to any part of East India to witness people worshipping to thank God for health, wealth and good health. During Chhath Puja, women are dressed in traditional sarees and everyone partakes in fasting, taking baths in the holy rivers.
What to expect?
- During Chhath Puja the devotees fast for the whole day
- Everyone bathes in holy water, like the Ganges
- Prayers are offered to the sun and other deities
- Colourful events are held on the third day of the puja
Top cities to visit during Chhath Puja
- Patna: During Chhath Puja several people pay their reverence by performing rituals on the river bed; they offer prayers and food items to the Sun God. This makes it an interesting place during this time as it has numerous activities like food, celebrations, dancing and other cultural activities.
- Bodh Gaya: A lot of devotees are seen visiting Bodh Gaya and other religious places during Chhath Puja as it is considered historical as well as spiritual. As with most holy Hindu rivers, the pristine bank of the Niranjana River is also widely visited for rituals. The sandwich of religious and cultural practices makes Bodh Gaya a serene environment to celebrate the feast.
- Ranchi: Chhath Puja is popular in Ranchi which is the capital city of Jharkhand and people celebrate Chhath Puja, particularly at the water edges of the rivers. They practice several rituals and prayers creating a lively ambience with dancing and singing. The geographical location of the city together with the beautiful scenery make the festival even more spiritual.
- Jamshedpur: The people of Jamshedpur take part in Chhath Puja actively, especially in the area around the water bodies. Activities during Chhath Puja include; ceremonies, social meetings, and cultural entertainments. Markets sell several local foods and the various ornaments that are available foster the creation of atmosphere needed for the celebrations.
Christmas
Date: 25th December, 2024
Christmas refers to a holiday that people cherish because of the birth of Jesus Christ on the 25th of December. It is one of the most celebrated festivals which is symbolised by giving, love and togetherness and is embraced all over the world. Part of the celebrations is putting up Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and engaging in other merry-making activities including taking special meals together with loved ones.
What to expect?
● Attending church services on Christmas day
- Exchanging gifts and family gathering
- Listening to Christmas music and enjoying carolling
Top cities to visit during Christmas
- Goa: Celebrate Christmas by booking flights to Goa with IndiGo. Goa is fun all year, but Christmas here is on another level. Along with historic churches, gorgeous beaches and lively parties. Christmas is celebrated with zest and zeal. You can visit the famous church the Basilica of Bom Jesus and explore the local markets with festive lights and delicious food.
- Shillong: Being culturally and naturally rich, Shillong turns pretty during Christmas with beautifully decorated houses and festive events throughout the month. Book flights to Shillong during IndiGo's ‘Grand Runaway Fest’ and witness the spirit of tradition, enjoy the events and savour delicious food. Do not forget to explore stunning attractions in Shillong.
- Nagaland: Nagaland celebrates Christmas throughout December with multiple events day and night. On the day of Christmas, many attend church services, and throughout the evening, the streets are filled with local markets. Such places like Kohima are filled with lighting decorations and people feasting which makes it a perfect place to be during Christmas.
- Manali: Christmas in Manali can be marvellous as the place gets snow and nice log houses akin to a vacationer’s shelter. The town appears to be very beautiful with beautiful decorations put in place and people also organise festivals at cafes. Skiing and snowboarding form part of the charm of the place for people interested in adventurous activities thus making it a perfect holiday destination.
New Year’s Eve
Date: 31st December, 2024
One of the celebrated events across the world is New Year's Eve. This grand celebration clubbed with IndiGo’s ‘Grand Runaway Fest’ couldn't be more fitting. During this time, book flights to your favourite city or go home to celebrate with friends and family. During the eve, people gather for dancing, feasting, lighting fireworks, and waiting for the `last horn’ at midnight. Therefore, during IndiGo’s ‘Grand Runaway Fest’, people can book a flight to any part of India and enjoy the New Year with the rest of the world.
What to expect?
- Friends and family gatherings
- Go for parties and public gatherings
- Midnight toast to welcome the new year
Top cities to visit during New Year's Eve
- Jaisalmer: For New Year’s Eve, why not head to a desert destination of Jaisalmer with IndiGo flights? Being one of the farthest destinations in Rajasthan, make use of IndiGo's ‘Grand Runaway Fest’ and book flights to watch the night sky drizzle with fireworks and welcome 2025 with a safari in the dunes. You can also go on a private desert camp and explore the rural life of Jaisalmer.
- Chennai: One of the lively cities to visit during Christmas is Chennai. Make use of IndiGo’s ‘Grand Runaway Fest’ and travel to this beautiful city in Tamil Nadu, explore India’s longest urban beach, and soak in the balmy ambience. During Christmas, there are several cultural performances and at night you can see amazing fireworks displays.
- Ooty: Surrounded by lush tea plantations and misty morning weather, a Christmas in Ooty will certainly feel like a dreamland. Book flights to Coimbatore with IndiGo, drive to this stunning hill station of Ooty and spend a warm Christmas with views of picturesque landscapes.
Takeaway
IndiGo’s ‘Grand Runaway Fest’ is here to bring smiles to your faces, and it couldn't have come at a perfect time with so many festivals coming up. You can visit IndiGo’s website and book flights to your choice of destination and witness the colourful Diwali decorations, sing carols in hill stations, light diyas and wash them on the River Ganga in Varanasi and more. This sale allows making travel cheaper during the holidays, thus, helping friends and families meet up to help create such nice memories which can be cherished when they grow old. Before the year ends, try this special ‘Grand Runaway Fest’ offer for those who want to explore new places and end 2024 with open arms.
Grab this opportunity with the Grand Runaway Fest and book flights to your favourite city. Happy holidays!
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